Manchester United and Chelsea targeting Mesut Ozil as Barcelona join the race

Mesut Ozil has yet to put pen to paper with Arsenal, despite Arsene Wenger stating that the German won’t leave the Emirates in January. Some of the European giants are on stand-by as the situation surrounding the midfielder develops.

The former Real Madrid ace has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, but according to reports, the Red Devils will have to lock horns with Chelsea and Barcelona in their bid to get him.

Manchester United are looking for a replacement for Henrik Mkhitaryan who has fallen out with Mourinho and may return to Borussia Dortmund. The ex-Shakhtar winger has yet to live up the expectations of the Man Utd boss this season, despite some outstanding performances last term.

Manchester United fans reacted positively when Ozil netted a goal and provided an assist in Arsenal’s 5-2 victory at Everton, while Rio Ferdinand has been quoted to say the he would love to see Ozil at the Theater of Dreams.

Ferdinand told BT Sport: "Since he has signed in the Premier League, he's had the most assists and the most chances created.

"That tells you the standard of the player he is. When he was at Real Madrid, I played against him. He was a different player at Real Madrid from what I've seen here. The pace, he's deceptively quick, and if you can get that out of him, with that ability...he's a technician.

"I'd take him at Man Utd all day. Free transfer? No doubts."

Manchester United beat Arsenal at Emirates on Saturday despite the Gunners dominating the match, with Ozil creating more than enough chances which the front-lined failed to convert.

Ozil also shone against Huddersfield 5-0 in the midweek, bagging a goal and providing two assists.

Should the Red Devils wish to get Ozil, however, they would likely face competition from Chelsea. The Blues still need an extra body in midfield, despite having Tiemoue Bakayoko, N’Golo Kante, and Eden Hazard. But it remains uncertain how Ozil can fit into Antonio Conte’s playing style.

Another club that is interested in Ozil is Barcelona. The Catalans are considering Ozil as an affordable alternative to £130-million Philippe Coutinho in bif to replace Andres Iniesta who turns 34 in May next year.

But some reports claim that Liverpool are trying to soften their stance and will accept Barcelona’s massive offer for Coutinho which could leave Ozil with less options.

The German has bagged 34 goals provided 60 assists in 171 matches for Arsenal.